Michael O'Halloran: Charleston trip will help bring out the best in me for Rangers

The striker scored three goals in 13 appearances for Mark Warburton’s side following his £500,000 move from St Johnstone in January.

But it was to prove a frustrating spell for O’Halloran as he missed out on the Gers’ run to the Scottish Cup final and couldn’t hold down a regular starting spot.

The 25-year-old was impressive during his second half cameo against Charleston Battery on Wednesday evening and hopes his time in South Carolina will stand him in good stead for the new Premiership campaign.

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O’Halloran said: "I was happy enough to come on and contribute to the team. That's what it's all about.

“But first and foremost, tonight was about getting our fitness up and everyone got a bit of game time. Some boys got 45 minutes, some a bit more and others played the full game.

"We have been training a week and a half in the heat and humidity out here and it was a big cooler, being a night game.

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"Also the thunderstorm may have delayed the kick-off by 80 minutes but that and the rainfall took the temperature down even further. It was still physically though but I felt we did well.

"I was still settling into the squad last season after coming in back in January. It also didn't help that I was cup tied and that meant I was in and out of the side.

“That wasn't ideal for me but now I am getting a full pre-season under my belt. There are no distractions but now I can work hard and be fully focuses on playing my part next season.

"Is the aim to establish myself as a starter? Definitely. We have a good squad and we've brought in good players which makes for good competition.

"But I want to play every week and I am going to work my hardest to show the gaffer what I can bring to the side. I'm going to try my best to do that.”